Radical Entertainment Rises from the Ashes as New Radical Games
In a stunning revival, Canadian video game developer Radical Entertainment has returned from near-oblivion under a new identity. After being effectively dormant for over a decade following its acquisition by Activision, the studio is now operating independently as New Radical Games, sparking excitement among fans of its classic titles.
A Legacy of Beloved 2000s Games
Based in Vancouver, Radical Entertainment built a reputation in the early 90s but soared to fame in the 2000s with a series of cult hits. The studio is best remembered for The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a Grand Theft Auto-inspired adventure that became a fan favorite. Other notable releases include a critically acclaimed Scarface game that served as a sequel to the iconic film, and the edgy superhero action series Prototype.
However, Radical's fortunes declined after Activision acquired it in 2008. Although never officially shuttered, the studio was gutted in 2012 following the commercial disappointment of Prototype 2. By 2022, reports indicated only six employees remained, and its last credited work was as a support team on Destiny in 2014, leaving it effectively dead for 12 years.
The Phoenix-Like Rebirth
New Radical Games has emerged from the remnants of two studios: the original Radical Entertainment and Hothead Games, another Canadian developer founded by former Radical staff in 2006. Hothead Games filed for bankruptcy in 2024 after focusing on mobile titles. The new entity promises handcrafted games built by a crew of industry veterans, as stated on its recently discovered website.
Leadership includes Ian Wilkinson, who returns as CEO after previously serving as Radical's CEO and later Hothead's CEO. Tim Bennison, formerly an executive producer and VP of technology at Radical, retains his role as chief operating officer. The website showcases classic games like The Simpsons: Hit & Run and The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, hinting at potential re-releases, though these would require licensing agreements with rights holders like Disney.
Current Activities and Industry Rumors
Currently, New Radical Games appears to be seeking projects, offering services for full-time game development, co-development, ports, and remasters on console and mobile platforms. This move coincides with intriguing industry whispers. In September 2025, the Steam version of Prototype received unexpected updates after 16 years, fueling speculation about a remaster.
Datamining efforts on the Prototype subreddit revealed new test maps and updated credits, including references to developer Iron Galaxy—known for work on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 and support on remasters like The Last Of Us Part 2. The credits also mention a Ubisoft Connect Version and numerous Activision staff, strongly suggesting ongoing development activity.
While the Prototype series, spiritual successors to The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, received mixed reviews, their potential revival has sparked curiosity. Whether this signals a full comeback for Radical's iconic franchises remains to be seen, but the studio's rebirth marks a significant moment in gaming history.
